When Life Gives You Tangerines...

Tangerine Jam. Tangerine Marmalade. Tangerine Tarte. Tangerine Cheesecake. Tangerine Sorbet. Tangerine Cake. Tangerine Pudding. Tangerine Jello. Tangerine Cupcakes. Tangerine Muffins. Tangerine Upside Down Cake. Tangerine Pound Cake. Chocolate Dipped Tangerine Slices. Tangerine Mousse. Tangerine Cookies.

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Purple - The Royal Color

Back in January, I went through angst over the red glasses I eventually purchased. But it was a good decision, because I wear them every day and simply love them. So, when my new insurance entitled me to a pair of glasses as long as I capped the cost at $250, off I went to the America's Best Eyeglasses for a new pair of distance glasses.

My first frame color choice was green, second was blue, and last but not least was purple. I searched and the two gals working there searched, but we couldn’t find anything that fit the bill. And then I spotted them. A bright purple pair in my price range. They were perfect, except for one teeny tiny thing. They were not women’s frames, but youth frames.

Could I get away with it even though I was 79 and not 9? In my defense I am young at heart. So, in the end, I figured these are the perfect pair for me. Just call me Queen EllenBee.

UPDATE - I hate to admit it, but the frames were so small that I couldn't wear them more than a few minutes before they screamed, "Take me Off or I will pinch your head!" They won the fight and I sadly exchanged them for adult women's glasses. 😞😢I have been dethroned. But the good news is they are BLUE! Hey, second place ain't too bad.

 

 

AMAZON REVIEW #3

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Resist Bear Only You Can Prevent Protest Men Women T-Shirt

★★★★★

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I protest once a week and have a lot of protest t shirts. Was looking for a new shirt to celebrate the 3rd No Kings Protest. By far, this is now my favorite shirt. It's so soft and just the right amount of weight to wear alone or with a sweatshirt. Bought two so my husband and I can protest together. 

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Smokey the Bear may be Old - 80 - but he's Still Fighting (Wars, Inequity, Ice etc.) 

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AMAZON REVIEW #2

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Longing

★  

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I longed for this film to end…quickly.

Seriously folks, this is one of the worst films I have ever seen. I don’t know who gets the credit. The Writer? Director? Actors? Or all three?

*SPOILER ALERT* If you sadly lost your beautiful daughter to suicide, and met a man whose son died committing a crime, would you hold a pretend wedding so that they (who had never met when they were alive) could spend their afterlife together in holy matrimony? If you said yes, then this is the film for you.

One of the worst things about this movie that really disturbed me was that the so-called wonderful son, drugged an old sick lady so he could have sex with her 13-year-old granddaughter.

And please don’t get me started on Richard Gere’s character. An emotionally closed off man goes to a high school class and obviously mistakenly thinks he is visiting a therapist, so confesses that his father beat him every day of his life until he was seventeen. Can imagine a conversation between a parent and one of these students. Parent, “So, how was your day? Did you learn anything?” Son/ daughter, “Yep. In French class I learned that the father of a former student was beat up by his father.”

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This is no Pretty Woman comedy. This is an Ugly Man tragedy.

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AMAZON REVIEW #1

How was this item?

LISYIZ Women's Ankle Combat Boots Lace Up Booties with Side Zipper Low Heel Fashion Combat Booties for Fall 

★★★★★

Now that the weather is changing, (brr) my converse sneakers just weren't making it. My old Doc Martin's had died a slow painful death, so it was time for a new pair of boots. EEK! The cost of new Doc Martin's would be $150+ so I was on the hunt for a pair of very reasonable priced boots. Found them! These boots are made well and more importantly, budget friendly. Easy to get on and off with the zipper and so comfortable that I can wear them all day. 

FYI although they advertise them as combat boots, I did not wear them into battle. Unless that is, you consider Trader Joe's and the mall a war zone. On second thought, maybe I did go into battle. Am happy to report I emerged victoriously and best of all, no blood was shed. 

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These Boots Are Made For Walking!

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I wanted to know ow much exercise a woman my age, 79, needed to do to stay fit and healthy. So, of course I asked the internet AKA AI. “Older adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity each week. Or they could get an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity.”

Suggestions include:

1. Mow the lawn or rake the leaves. And fire our wonderful gardener? No way. We love Raoul.

2. Learn a new dance. I am learning to tap dance, so this is a big time YES.

3. Walk to the store. I did say that when the new Dollar Tree opened, I was going to walk there and back. It’s only a 3-mile trek and very doable, so that will happen! Eventually. One day. Soon.

4. Hike a trail. Wednesdays, weather permitted.

5. Do active forms of yoga (such as Vinyasa or power yoga). Never a yoga gal, much prefer Pilates.

6. Ride a bike inside or outside. Don’t like the bike solely because the seat is always uncomfortable. Ouch.

7. Join a water aerobics class. Unless I’m wearing a cap, the water makes my hair frizz.

Guess I’m sticking with my Treadmill and rower.

 

You Don't Stop Working Out When You Get Old.

During Covid I said good-bye to the gym and hello to transforming my craft studio affectionally called– The Beehive - into a backyard gym.

I replaced my large craft table with a treadmill, and my many storage containers stuffed with crafting misc. for a rowing machine. Then I filled the 10’x12’ room with things I love. My Frida Kahlo shrine, my RBG collection and a half dozen photos of my daughter Cassandra. Alexa took up residence in The Beehive for non-stop music and with 4 windows and a glass panel door, I never feel claustrophobic.

IMO the 5 best things about having a home gym are –

1. Wearing old, tattered gym clothes. Nobody sees, nobody cares.

2. Singing out-loud with Alexa. Current favorite duet is with Frank Sinatra – NY, NY.

3. Not having to store my purse in a locker. 

4. Not having to tell the front desk that I forgot my locker code. Again.  

5. Not having to see mature ladies exercising like they are teenagers, wearing make-up and Lululemon gym clothes.

 You Get Old When You Stop Working Out.

 

Monday, Monday 

So good to me

I try and workout 5 times a week. One hour on the Treadmill while watching a movie, and then 15 minutes on the Rower listening to music.

Last Month, when we had that horrendous rainstorm, I asked Alexa to play songs about rain. My favorite has to be “Singing in the Rain” by Gene Kelley. Although, I also love Umbrella by Rhianna and of course “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele. And wait, what about Barbra Streisand and "Don't Rain on My Parade" and then I can't forget "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" by B.J. Thomas.  Okay, so maybe I don't have just one favorite.

Meanwhile, back to the story. The 15 minutes flew by, and in what must have been a delusional moment, I decided to make every Monday on the rower a themed music workout. Great idea, yeah?

Just checked the calendar. Uh oh, there’s a problem here. It seems there are 44 Mondays left in 2026. Change of plans. Perhaps one Monday every month? That's only 9 themes. Yes, very doable.

April's theme is going to be New York, featuring music by Sting "Englishman in New York", Frank Sinatra, "New York, New York", and Bruce Springsteen, "New York State of Mind".

May is Peace, June is California, June is...

 Book Reviews

I used to be a various reader. Now I find that when I read, I either get tired or my eyes burn. It’s official, old age and dry eyes have arrived.

Book #1 – 107 Days

I love Kamala and was a volunteer for her first and second Presidential campaign. I was deeply shattered when she lost, but I still proudly wear her Kamala for President t-shirt.

Having said that, I was a bit disappointed with her book. It read like excerpts from a day planner. I wish she had added more personal tidbits.

Book #2 – Raising Hare

I found this non-fiction book an easy read. It’s a story about a woman in England who finds a lost baby Hare. She never gave the Hare a name, because her goal was for the Hare to live in the wild and not end up as a pet. Her connection with the Hare opened her heart to the wonders of nature – a wonderful lesson for all of us.

Book #3 - The Other Bennet Sister

I recently read about an upcoming BBC series called The Other Benett Sister. Since I couldn’t see the series unless I was transported to England, (Dr. No, you out there??) I immediately purchased the book on Kindle.

Since I love all things Pride and Prejudice, I expected to also love this book. And, for the first 100 pages or so I couldn’t put my kindle down. And then things changed. It became more a romance novel than a Jane Austen novel. Unfortunately, I am not a fan of Lifetime movies or romance novels.

Onto Book #4

 

To return or not to return, that is the question:

I’m definitely out of the loop. Until recently I had never heard of the Shopping Cart theory. Developed in 2020, the author of this theory claims the humble shopping cart is a way to judge one’s moral character. Who knew?

I’m not saying I’m better than other people, but even if I have frozen food in the car, and it's 100+ outside, I take the time to return the cart. Where I shop, I rarely see a lonely cart. So, do people who shop at TJ’s and Sprouts have better morals? 

IMHO I'd wager that folks who regularly don’t return carts feel entitled. They figure someone gets paid to return the carts from the parking lot to the store, so why should they have to do that person’s job. Maybe so, but they are missing something important. That good feeling one gets when they return the cart. It's like finding something a stranger dropped - like a wallet or a phone - and handing it the store manager. You don't get a thank you, but you know you have done the right thing.

Okay, I get it. It is moral character. 

 

Ding Dong Ditch

This past Friday at around 9:00PM, Tony and I were snuggled in bed watching The Forsythe Saga on Netflix. Since all the lights in the house were out, a passerby would probably think we were asleep.

All of the sudden, we heard loud banging at our front door. Really hard and furious, which scared the bejesus out of me. Tony ran to the door, opened it and saw 4 young people running down the street. I grabbed the phone thinking I might need to call 911, but they didn’t return.

We had no idea what was going on, so I had no choice but to ask AI. It seems we had been the subject of Knock, Knock, Ginger, Ding Dong Ditch. Historians believe this prank started in England in the 1800's. As it spread across the globe, it birthed additional names such as Runaway Knock, Runaway Ring Doorbell Ditch and Doorbell Dixie.

I have absolutely no idea how it got to Canoga Park, but it's here to stay like a nasty bug. I'm thinking about putting a sign on our door. Do Not Knock Unless You Are From Publishers Clearing House. Think it might work?

Luscious Lemon 

Since the late 1970's I have been a loyal Trader Joe's customer. One lesson I learned over the years is if you love a product they carry, buy in quantity. It's all about the price. If they cannot get a store product at a good price, they will stop carrying it. That is why I bought 3 boxes of my absolute favorite pasta, pictured above.

I searched the internet and found the easiest sauce recipe that I promise you, is restaurant quality. 

1. Cook pasta in salted water. When cooked, drain, but SAVE 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. In a large skillet melt 2 tbsp butter, add 1 tbsp minced garlic and cook for a minute or two. Do NOT burn the garlic.

3. Add the cooked pasta, the saved water, 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese and a large handful or two of freshly torn spinach. STIR after adding each ingredient.

4. Add the juice of half of a lemon. STIR. Add 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese. STIR. 

5. Top with a bit of lemon zest and/or freshly ground pepper.

6. Serve and Buon Appetito!

Does a Tree Have Feelings?

One of the things that I love about our backyard is our big, OLD, glorious apricot tree. I remember one spring there were so many blossoms that when they dropped it looked like the patio was covered with snow. I dreamed of making three ingredient apricot jam. Just apricots, sugar and lemon juice – sweet and a little tart.My mouth still waters when I think about apricot jam over butter on toast, or what about crepes filled with my homemade apricot jam? Organic sugar – check, organic lemon – check, organic apricots from our tree, nope. Never happened.

Despite always having blossoms, we aren’t that lucky with the actual fruit. I think the most apricots that have ripened has been a lucky dozen. Here’s the problem, I think. Squirrels, bad soil, and no fertilizer.

Every spring, early summer TJ’s sells cartons of large ripe apricots. I once bought a carton and Tony complained that they weren’t as sweet as ours. Perhaps. But the apricots from our tree are few and far between and so tiny that they resemble cherries, not apricots.

Today while shopping at TJ's I noticed they had just put out jars of organic apricot jam. I was tempted. But I feel guilty, like I'm cheating on our tree.

Dreaming of Fresh Grapefruit & Vodka

The Orcutt Ranch Horticulture Center is a 210-acre Historical Culture Monument located in West Hills. Just 3 miles from our house, we had only visited it one time in the last 24 years. But, as of this past Saturday, our visits have increased by one. Which now makes it two visits in the last 24 years.

Twice a year they open the ranch early, at 7:30 AM, so that neighbors can pick grapefruits in February and oranges in July. The cost is $3 per bag – bring your own – and they have fruit pickers to rent for just $1. This being our first fruit picking experience we had no idea what to expect, so we got there at 8:00 AM just hoping for the best. 

As you can see from the photo above, Tony was grinning from ear to ear. The air was crisp, the grapefruits were plentiful and we frolicked in the orange and grapefruit orchard.

 

Broadway Memories Part Two

You may not know his name, but bet you are familiar with his most famous Musical – Wicked. According to Wikipedia, "Stephen Schwartz is one of the most successful Broadway and film composer/lyricists of his generation."

Back in 2014 I was in NYC to visit my daughter. We were meeting at a bistro called Chez Josephine, which is named after the famous singer/dancer Josephine Baker. I was pleasantly surprised when Jean-Claude Baker, Josephine Baker's son, greeted me at the door.

We chatted a bit and I shared that my daughter and I were here to see the revival of Pippin. He then asked if I would like to meet the lyricist and composer of Pippin, Stephen Schwartz. I immediately said yes, not knowing he was sitting at a table by himself, just a few feet from where I was standing.

After the introduction he asked me to sit down. I am pretty sure it was because he was afraid I might faint. I gushed, he smiled and it was a magical Broadway moment I will never forget.

 Broadway Memories Part One

In the early sixties, I was part of a group of girls who would head off to NYC every Saturday to see Broadway shows. It’s hard to believe now, but back then you could purchase a standing room ticket for $3.50.

After the show you would find us at the stage door waiting for the stars to emerge. We were all excited after seeing “How To Succeed In Business Without Even Trying” to see the star of the show Robert Morse, exit with an older man with glasses. I got Robert Morse’s autograph and then asked the bespectacled older man if I could have his autograph. I gushed (what can I say, I’m a gusher) that he was wonderful in the play. He immediately looked over at Robert Morse and together they laughed. It seemed odd because I hadn’t said anything funny, but I was so thrilled to have captured two autographs that I didn't give it another thought. 

That is, until we were comfortably seated on the bus heading back home to Elizabeth, NJ. As I gazed through the Playbill (the show program) I couldn’t find a photo of the older man. Then I saw it. He wasn’t IN the show, but he was a star. He was the writer of the play, Abe Burrows, and had won a Pulitzer Prize for the book.

I have experienced many embarrassing moments in my life, but this is the only one that still makes me chuckle. I made both Robert Morse and Abe Burrows laugh. Out loud. I was a comedian, not just a naive girl from Jersey!

 

At the End of the Rainbow

Public Safety Alert - City of Los Angeles Emergency Alert: The National Weather Service has forecast that a major storm will impact the City of Los Angeles beginning Monday, February 16, and is expected to receive 2-4 inches of rain. Get ready for the storm and take extra precautions during the rain.

I have 4 umbrellas, one raincoat and we have moved the newly painted chairs, new cushions and new table umbrella into the garage for safe keeping. Now it's time to think about the end game. The rainbow. 

In 2012 a video of Katy Perry popped up on my YouTube feed. It was from a charity event called “Night of Too Many Stars”, hosted by Jon Stewart. Proceeds of this event went toward autism programs in schools and services all over the country. Katy Perry sang "Firework" and was accompanied by Jodi DiPiazza, an eleven-year-old music prodigy who just happens to have autism. Sorry Katy, it was Jodi who was the star.

Since first seeing that video, I have followed Jodi on YouTube. Just recently a new video of hers appeared on my YouTube feed. Jodi has grown up and is a beautiful young lady. But what made the video so very special is the song she wrote – "At the End of the Rainbow".  

Jodi, YOU are the rainbow. 

Remember someone you loved

When I saw the kit for the Heart Basket pictured above, I just had to give basket making a try. Over the years I have crafted hundreds of things – from quilts to jewelry - and have had no trouble selling or giving them away.

But this basket ain’t going anywhere. I take it out just once a year. Can you guess which holiday I commemorate? Yep, it’s my Valentines Day Basket.

This year I am doing something different with my sweet basket. Instead of filling it with candy, it will have just a slip of paper. On it will be the name of a loved one I have lost all contact with. For 2026 it will be Susan Roller. She was my college best friend, and I remember her joy for life, her talent and her beauty. 

Happy Valentine's Day Susan.

 

ebay vs. Marketplace

I currently have 3 items for sale on ebay and 4 on Facebook Marketplace. Both sites drive me bonkers. However, I seem to have a short memory, because when I sell an item from either site, I seem to forget all the hassle I went through to make the sale.

There are similarities. For both I need to take a photo and write up a description for the listing. But that’s where it ends. Let's compare.

Marketplace

PROS

1. No shipping.

2. No commission. 

3. Get paid in cash.

CONS

1. The endless messaging from perspective buyers.

2. The bargaining – sometimes it’s just $5 but often it’s ridiculously higher.

3. The countless no shows – last guy said he would be here at noon. Then he revised it to 2. Then 3. Then 4. Then he never showed up!

ebay

PROS

1. I can charge more $.

2. No endless bargaining.

CONS

1. I have to pay a commission to ebay.

2. I have to pack the item for shipping, which means I also need to purchase shipping supplies.

3. I have to drive to the post office – granted it’s just a mile, but even so.

4. Frequent extra shipping costs - because I usually or rather often underestimate the cost to mail.

Not even close. Hands down, Facebook Marketplace for the win.

 

They Made It!

I’ve always had an affinity with peace. That’s why my one and only email has always been peacenpassion@yahoo.com. When I heard about the 19 Buddhist monks and their rescue dog, Aloka, walking from Fort Worth Texas to Washington, D.C. I was impressed but not surprised. Buddhist Monks are known for devoting their lives to peace and compassion. In these trying times we need more monks, not ice agents.

What a week – Bad Bunny and his message of Love and the Buddhist monks with their message of peace. Mr. Rodgers said it best – look for the helpers. 

Extraordinary people are all around us.

 

No Explanation Needed

Pre-covid I usually went to the gym 3 times a week - Monday, Wednesday and Friday. And, because Trader Joe’s was just steps away in the same shopping mall, I would do all my shopping during the week.

Then Covid hit. No more gym and no more Trader Joe’s. Originally, we used Instacart, but after a few months Trader Joe’s opened from 8-9 AM for senior shoppers. Armed with a weekly shopping list, rubber gloves and masks, we were usually the first in store and first finished with our shopping.

Over the years, even though the threat of covid had vastly diminished, we continued our once-a-week shopping trip. We chose Sunday as our shopping day and as before, we were usually the first in store and the first finished with our shopping. It was just a habit, not a necessity.

I didn’t think much about our routine until recently. Although I was no longer a gym rat, I was now out and about several times a week and was shopping not only at Trader Joe’s, but Sprouts, Ralphs and even Whole Foods.

Then a miracle happened. This past Sunday I awoke to see the heavens open, and I heard the angels sing. I finally realized that we didn’t need to shop anymore on Sundays. My trips during the week gave us a full fridge and pantry. Sundays are now officially Pajama Day. 

Amen.

 

TOGETHER

I have always been politically active. It’s just who I am. As much a part of me as my curly hair and my love of crafting. Fighting for the oppressed feels as natural as breathing.

Since April I have been attending the once-a-week Woodland Hills Indivisible protests and I am proud to call myself one of the regulars. I bring signs, wear protest T-shirts and make bracelets to give away.

I have made literally hundreds of bracelets and currently have over 100 in my stockpile.

Last week I handed out Nurses are Heroes to honor Alex Pretti and my husband, who was a nurse for 25 years. This week's bracelets are finished and ready for Saturday - Abolish Ice.

My hope is that everyone who wears one of my bracelets looks at their wrist and knows that they are not alone. We WILL make this world a better place for ALL of us.

 

15 Minutes

When I was single, more than once, I had an unexpected guest knock on my door when my apartment was a mess. I remember when I literally hid a sink full of dirty dishes in the oven. That experience kind of broke me and though embarrassed, I admitted my disgraceful act to a workmate.

He didn’t make me feel bad, instead he kindly shared his 15 minute rule. The idea was to make his home presentable for visitors in just 15 minutes. I laughed and figured I could never do it, but I made the decision to try.

It didn’t happen overnight, but eventually it did happen. Just last week, we had a friend call and say he was in the area and wanted to stop by. We actually had a 30 minute warning, but it only took us 15 minutes to get the house in shipshape - not spotless, but tidy. Fluff the pillows in the living room, clear the dining room table and I even had time to change clothes and dab on some lip gloss. All this and no dirty dishes hiding in the oven.

After writing the above, I was kind of curious as to what the internet claims one could accomplish in 15 minutes. Believe it or not, there are actually books, videos and countless articles devoted to what could be done in 15 minutes. One of my favorites has to be - clean out your makeup bag. Obviously, that was written by a man.

But I am proof that a small burst of effort can change your life. Sorry, but you'll have to excuse me now because I have to take a 15 minute nap!

   

 

911

I buy a lot from Amazon. And yes, I feel guilty admitting this in public. It started during Covid, but as the years passed it not only continued, it increased. It’s just so easy – click, click, and a few days later it’s at my doorstep.

Because I order a lot, I also return a lot. And, with Amazon Fresh being just 1.6 miles from our house, it’s easy peasy. But then last week everything changed.

Fresh is gone! Disappeared without any warning. Vanished. Forever.

I asked Yahoo what I should do and AI responded:

Calling the police is advisable if something has disappeared and you suspect it may be stolen or if there is a risk involved.

The Infamous Three Balls

It all started about 30 years ago at the Renaissance Faire in San Bernardino. One of the vendors was a juggler and for a fee, he would teach you how to juggle plus you get to keep the juggling balls. I can’t remember how long I stayed, but I will admit that the failure was totally on my end, not his.

All these years I held on to the balls, photo above, with the hope that one day I would somehow magically learn how to juggle. I have watched dozens of YouTube videos on how to juggle but alas, none worked. In desperation I prayed to the juggling god.

And then, as if by magic, something wonderful happened. My daughter fell in love with a world-famous juggler – Sean Blue. He will be out here in March to perform in the opera Akhnaten, so my goal is to learn how to juggle by time he gets here.

Of course, if that fails, I am going to ask him to teach me. Wish me luck. Or better yet, wish him luck!

 

My New T-Shirt

Growing up I never dreamed of becoming a tap dancer. It wasn’t until I retired, that I decided “now” was the perfect time to learn how to tap. Excited for a new adventure I bought a pair of tap shoes and went to the local Senior Community Center for my first tap class. I entered with joyful anticipation; I left with tears.

The instructor told me that even though it was called Beginner Tap, all the ladies were advanced tappers, and I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the class. Heartbroken, I told her to keep my new tap shoes and give them to someone who needed them.

Fast forward to December 2025. Twelve years had passed and I was ready for the second coming. I told my daughter and she bought me new tap shoes for my birthday. Then, I went on YouTube and watched video after video on how to tap.

Found it! The channel is Beginner Dance Tutorials by Carrie Mitchell, and it was the holy grail for me. Her lessons are fun and her instruction is easy to understand. The only difficult part for me is memorizing the routine.

I am taking 2 lessons a week. The routine I’m learning is “Time Warp” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I’m giving myself 3 months to learn and memorize the routine and then I’ll be ready for my first official performance. 

Lots of tickets still available!

 

Page 84

When I was in my senior year at college, majoring in Interior Design, there was a nationwide furniture design contest sponsored by the luggage company Samsonite. I designed a child’s bed and was gobsmacked to win Honorable mention – which was 4th place, but who’s counting? I won $75 and although I have no idea what I bought with my prize money, the money was secondary. I was acknowledged for my talent and that was truly a Mastercard moment.

Months after winning, I was told that the magazine Redbook, which has since ceased printing, would be featuring some of the winner’s furniture. Although I didn’t think Honorable Mention would make the cut, I was excited to hunt down the magazine.

I remember the moment clearly. I went to the local supermarket and picked up the new Redbook. On the cover it stated, Three beds to build.

I turned to page 84 and there it was. The bed I designed in a 2-page spread. I literally screamed with joy and a woman passing by stopped and asked if I was okay. With tears of joy running down my face, I just shook my head and grabbed every Redbook on the stand – about a dozen. At $.60 each it was a bargain.

PS. I just checked eBay and that exact Redbook is listed at $21.94. In retrospect I guess I should have bought more!

A Tragic Love Story...of Sorts

Even though my husband Tony and I are vegetarians, I had long wanted to buy a BBQ grill. During the lockdown I took the plunge and purchased a small electric BBQ grill with all the bells and whistles.

My favorite thing to cook on it was cabbage. Trust me, it's delicious.

1. Use about 1/2 cabbage and cut into 4 pieces. Place each quarter on a separate piece of aluminum foil.

2. Sprinkle about 2 tbsp of soy sauce and 1 tbsp of butter over each cabbage piece. Season with freshly ground pepper.

3. Fold the sides of the foil over each cabbage quarter, sealing to form a packet.

4. Place on the grill and cook until tender - about 15 to 20 minutes.

I loved my little BBQ grill and often wondered why it had taken me so long to buy it. But then disaster struck. I remember the day as if it was yesterday. I had the cabbage packs ready for grilling. Tony plugged in the grill and turned up the heat. But, instead of grilling veggie burgers, my husband grilled the BBQ brush that he had left inside the grill. It smoked, it burned and it melted all over the inside of my beloved grill.

The pictured BBQ Journal never sold on my Etsy shop. It, like my beloved grill, will R.I.P. forever. 

 

Hike

verb

1. walk for a long distance.

Tony has always been a hiker. Me, not so much. A hike for me was just a full day of shopping. But a few years ago, I heard about the Victory Trailhead. Just 4.3 miles from our house, door to door in just 11 minutes.

Yesterday was our first hike of the year. Tony, Alex - our dear friend and Hair Stylist Extraordinaire and me. The weather was perfect, calm and cool. The trail was green with thousands of wildflowers yawning as they awakened from their winters nap.

The trail is considered moderate and there are hills to climb, but Tony and I have hiked this trail many times. A mile in and a mile out.

We were all having a lovely time with lots of chatting and laughter. Time and the miles just flew by. And then reality hit. We walked too far. What should have been a 2-mile hike became a nearly 4-mile trek.

I can honestly say that this 79-year-old really felt her age! The walk back was brutal. The hills seemed to multiply but I walked…one step at a time. The only thing that kept me going was the thought of a hot shower, but the only way out was to keep on walking. Which I did.

PS. As soon as I heal, I’m ready for another hike.

 

Love it or Hate it?

Within a 4-mile radius of our house there are 6 Dollar Trees. Not enough you say? Well obviously, Dollar Tree agreed because last week they opened a 7th DT just 1.2 miles from my house.

Years ago, when everything was $1.00 and I was working, I would treat myself with a weekly visit. One day I checked my bank account and realized I was spending between $40 and $60 a month on things that I didn’t need, didn’t use or that eventually ended up in the trash.

Now I only shop every 6 weeks or so and rarely spend more than $10.00. There are a few things that I love like Strawberry & Cream Alberto V05 leave-in-conditioner. It’s great for my curly hair and it’s a steal at $1.25 when it sells on Amazon for $8.96. Other things I love are garden gloves, lemon hand sanitizer and poster board for protest signs – all of which are $1.25.

There is only one thing I wished I had purchased from DT. A "Day of the Dead" melamine dinner set. I saw it 3 or 4 years ago, stared at it and kept on saying to myself, you don’t need it, you don’t need it, you don’t need it. And so now, every October I go to 6 Dollar Trees searching for the set. This year it will be 7 stores I visit.

 

Lydia Maria Child, Abolitionist

Today is an important day in history, but I write this to honor not only the great MLK, but also a woman whose name you might not know - Lydia Maria Child.

Let me start at the beginning. I recently read an entire book about the history of onions. (Don’t. Ask. Why.) It included a few historical recipes, but one caught my attention. The author of the recipe was a woman who lived in the 1800’s and her name was Lydia Maria Child. I was curious as to whether she was related to the famous Chef Julia Child, so I did a little research.

No relation, but what I did discover about Lydia was that she was an amazing woman who made a difference. Yes, she was a brilliant writer and a poet – she wrote the poem “Over the River and Through the Woods” - but much more than that, she spent her life fighting for Women’s Rights, Native American Rights and African American Rights. Her contributions were so vital to the emancipation of Slaves that in 2007, she was inducted into the National Abolition Hall of Fame, in Peterboro, New York.

Happy Birthday Martin Luther King Jr. And an early Happy Birthday to Lydia Maria Child born on Feb 11, 1802.

Make YOUR Voice Be Heard

John Lennon wrote my favorite song "IMAGINE" in 1971. It is a permanent protest song and a lasting emblem of hope.

It was inspired by John Lennon's desire for two things. The first being world peace. The second being a world that is devoid of borders, religions and material possessions.

Coincidentally or not, my favorite holiday song is also written by John Lennon. "HAPPY CHRISTMAS (WAR IS OVER). I cried when John Lennon was killed. But his memory and his message live on. 

Now, more than ever, we need his music. 

 I Believe in Fairies, Do You?

When I had a shop on Etsy, I sold hundreds of tea-dyes journals. My most popular journal by far, was the Fairy Journal.

My inspiration for the Fairy Journal had always been Peter Pan's constant companion, Tinker Bell. I remember watching the play performed live on TV, starring Mary Martin. When Tinker Bell was dying, it was up to the audience to save her life. But only, if we believed in fairies. Peter asked us to clap our hands together, and I did. I was 14 at the time (1960) but I vigorously clapped. 

And yes, Tinker Bell lived.

 

"Lemon tree very pretty and the lemon fruit is sweet

But the fruit of the lemon is impossible to eat."

The lemons in our backyard are ready for picking. I found this recipe in 2018, and it has become a staple in our house. (It freezes well.) So, despite the Peter, Paul and Mary lyrics, the lemon is NOT impossible to eat. Try it, you'll like it!

Lemon Loaf, NOT Lemon Cake

INGREDIENTS:

Flour - 1 cup                                                    Sugar - 3/4 cup

Baking Powder - 1 tsp                                     Eggs - 2

Salt - a pinch                                                    Zest from 2 or 3 lemons

Butter at room temp. - 1/2 cup                        Yogurt - 2 tbs

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

2. Cream together butter and sugar.

3. Add the eggs and beat well.

4. Add the lemon zest.

5. Sift in the flour mix.

6. Gently FOLD together.

7. Add yogurt. Do not overmix.

8. Transfer into loaf pan lined with parchment paper.

9. Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes. 

10. Top with lemon syrup:

            a. 1 tbsp lemon juice

            b. 1/4 cup of water

            c. 3 tbsp sugar

            d. Heat ingredients until sugar melts.

Perfect for your next Tea Party.  

In a World of Black & White, be the Vibrant Stroke of RED

In the past, "four-eyes" was a common playground taunt a child might use to insult another child who wore eyeglasses. I heard it many times. I was born with a condition called amblyopia or lazy eye and spent years going to ophthalmologists where they tried their hardest to strengthen my lazy eye. Nothing worked, except for glasses.

I have two sets of glasses, One pair for close work and one for distance. Last week I had my yearly eye exam and although my eyesight hadn’t changed dramatically, I did need a stronger prescription for my reading/computer glasses. At one of my favorite eyeglass stores, Warby Parker, I found a frame I liked – it was greenish/grey and befitting for an elderly lady.

As the gal was writing up my order, I confessed that I really would have loved to get red framed glasses. She stopped filling out the order, went over to the wall shelf and returned with a bright red frame. I had no choice but to try them on. And I loved them but…not too confident I asked, “Can a 79-year-old woman get away with wearing bright red glasses?” Her reply, “If not now, then when!”

I’m tracking my order online and my new raspberry RED glasses should arrive later this week. 

Ready for Tomorrow's Protest Rally

Gone but never forgotten. May your soul rest in peace.

 

Needle and Thread

I’m rather new to Facebook Marketplace, but in the last year or so I have managed to sell a few inexpensive items. This past November I listed a lot of special Christmas Tree ornaments. They were all purchased in the 80’s, when I celebrated the holidays with a tree and my main hobby was quilting.

After I posted the listing, a lovely gal traveled the distance – about 15 miles – to view my 11-piece sewing themed ornament collection. She told me that growing up as the youngest of 8 children, her wardrobe consisted mainly of hand-me-downs. Since most of the clothes needed minor repairs, her mother stitched them together with thread and love.

When she saw my ad, she immediately knew that to honor her mother she would make a small sewing themed Christmas tree. As she shared her story she choked up and found it difficult to talk. I must admit I too felt teary eyed. My darling ornaments went from one loving home to another. A Christmas miracle.

.

 

What's In Your Bag?

Nothing says 1950’s like cherries. I love the retro cherry theme and own a cherry skirt plus two cherry sweaters. For years I had been searching for a cherry purse to add to my wardrobe, and last month when I saw the one pictured above for $8.50, it was a done deal. This is a cheap copy of the very expensive Coach cherry bag, but to me it’s priceless.

On YouTube/TikTok there is an ongoing trend where gals open their purse and share what’s inside. I have watched over 2 dozen videos and am constantly amazed at the contents of these purses. Some of my favorite unusual purse items include: paper toilet seat covers and paper soap, a portable fan, miniature bottles of booze and eye masks for naps on the subway.

I think the inventor of "What's In My Bag" was Hillary Clinton. During her campaign she carried a bottle of Hot Sauce with her at all times. I, on the other hand, carry just 5 items. All rather boring. I think I need to start carrying a tiny bottle of spice!

 

Black Lives Do Matter

I grew up in an all-white neighborhood where I attended an all-white elementary school. Back then I only knew one black person, Rose, our maid who worked for us twice a week. One day to clean and one day to do laundry. She would iron downstairs in our knotty pine walled basement, and I always looked forward to laundry day. I can close my eyes and smell the steamy aroma coming from hot iron on freshly washed clothes; hear the beat of gospel music on the radio and feel the joy I felt when I was with her. 70+ years later I may not remember her face, but I still remember how she made me feel. Loved.

When I was perhaps 6 or 7, my family drove from New Jersey to Miami Beach, FL for a special Easter vacation. The one memory of that trip that is seared in my brain took place at a restaurant stop in North Carolina. I needed to use the restroom, so I raced to the lady’s room. My mother, by my side, literally grabbed me by the shoulders and held me back. She bent down to my level and in a whisper pointed to the sign above the door that read COLORED ONLY. She then led me to the WHITE ONLY lady’s room and tried to explain why I wasn’t allowed to use the COLORED ONLY bathroom. As a child I couldn’t understand and as an adult I still can’t understand. At home we shared a bathroom with Rose, so why couldn’t we share one in this restaurant?  

This blog post makes me angry and very sad. It’s now 2026 and although things have improved, racism still exists.  

 

Is 79 Elderly?

A few months ago, while checking out at our local Trader Joe’s I noticed the gal in front of me. What got my attention were her fabulous nails polished a bright blue.

Immediately, I had a bright blue memory from about 40 years ago. I was at the Laurel Canyon Ice rink where Casey was taking her first ice skating lessons. Moms would huddle together in the chilly bleachers and chat while our darling daughters and sons learned to move around the rink without falling. One day a mom showed up with a bright blue streak on her rather unkempt brunette locks. When I asked her why the blue hair, she shared that she did it to break out of mom-mode.

After I left Trader Joe’s I knew I needed to break out of my elderly-woman mode. No to blue hair, but I set a goal to paint my nails outrageous colors. I am currently wearing retro blue/green nail polish and am smiling.